Staged Excision of Lentigo Maligna of the Head and Neck: Assessing Surgical Excision Margins With Melan A, SOX10, and PRAME Immunohistochemistry.

Background: Staged excision has emerged as a superior treatment option for lentigo maligna (LM) of the head and neck when compared with conventional wide local excision. Assessing surgical excision margins for remaining LM poses a diagnostic challenge.

Objectives: To determine whether immunohistochemical (IHC) staining with SOX10 and preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) aids in diagnosing LM on excision margins compared with conventional hematoxylin and eosin and Melan A IHC staining.

Lentigo Maligna of the head and neck: A retrospective study assessing surgical excision margins in a South African population.

Background: Lentigo maligna (LM) is a subtype of melanoma in situ that occurs on sun-damaged skin and is associated with significant subclinical extension beyond the clinical margins of the lesion.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine if the standard recommended tumor excision margins for LM are adequate to achieve a 97% clearance rate and if any patient or tumor characteristics warranted wider margins.

Methods: This study is a retrospective chart review of all patients who were diagnosed with LM of the head and neck and treated with staged excision.

Cross-sectional study of acral melanoma awareness in a group of South African final phase medical students.

Background: Acral melanoma refers to melanoma arising on the palms, soles and nail unit, which are sun-protected areas and ultraviolet exposure is not a risk factor. Acral melanoma is associated with a poorer prognosis than other melanoma subtypes most likely due to the high rates of delayed diagnosis. Acral melanoma affects all skin types equally.

The prevalence and spectrum of mucocutaneous disease in South African people living with HIV and accessing care at a district-level hospital.

Background: Although the association between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and mucocutaneous diseases has been well studied within South African specialist centres, there is limited data from district-level hospitals. Available data may, therefore, fail to reflect the prevalence and full spectrum of dermatoses seen in people living with HIV (PLWH).

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and spectrum of dermatoses seen in PLWH.

An Analysis of Biopsies for Suspected Skin Cancer at a Tertiary Care Dermatology Clinic in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.

Background: Skin cancer is a growing health concern worldwide. It is the most common malignancy in South Africa and places a large burden on the public healthcare sector. There is a paucity of published scientific data on skin cancer in South Africa.